Cheesy Ground Beef & Rice Casserole

This Cheesy Ground Beef & Rice Casserole is a one-skillet weeknight dinner everyone will love—plus, it’s easily modifiable to please different palates. Protein-rich ground beef and cheese team up with fiber-rich vegetables and brown rice for a hearty, satisfying meal. Onions, green peppers and garlic become slightly caramelized and sweet, balancing the rich notes from the cream cheese. Worcestershire sauce and oregano add a layer of savory flavor without being overwhelming, while provolone cheese adds a perfect cheesy crust. This one will be added to your comfort food list. Keep reading for our expert tips, including why we recommend using sharp provolone.

Tips from the EatingWell Test Kitchen

These are the key tips we learned while developing and testing this recipe in our Test Kitchen to make sure it works, tastes great and is good for you too! 

• You can swap the ground beef for ground turkey, chicken or pork. If you prefer to keep the recipe plant-based, choose your favorite meatless ground beef alternative.
• You can use packaged precooked rice or 3 cups of leftover brown rice, if available. You may also substitute the rice with 1½ cups of cooked quinoa, farro, wheat berries or another whole grain for a nourishing alternative.
• To save time, consider using packaged pre-chopped peppers and onions.
• We highly recommend using sharp or aged provolone cheese, as it melts smoothly and offers a saltier flavor. Be sure to check the labels to adjust seasoning accordingly. You can use sliced provolone and tear it into small pieces, but avoid pre-shredded cheese, as it does not melt as well.

Nutrition Notes

• Ground beef is a great source of protein and a good source of iron. It also provides phosphorus, which is necessary for strong bones, and zinc, which supports your immune system. In this recipe, we recommend 90%-lean ground beef to avoid your casserole swimming in grease.  
• Brown rice is a whole grain that brings fiber and energy-boosting carbohydrates and B vitamins to this dish. It, too, adds phosphorus, which also plays a role in energy levels. 
• Provolone cheese brings its calcium to this skillet meal; calcium works together with the B vitamins and phosphorus in the rice for healthy muscle and nerve function and metabolism. Most types of cheese, including provolone, also provide probiotics to support healthy gut function. 
• Bell peppers are loaded with immune-boosting vitamin C, which also supports skin health. Peppers contribute some fiber to this dish, as well. If you find that you don’t tolerate green peppers, try the other colors—red, yellow and orange—as they tend to be better tolerated by some.